Infraspection News

What Is Infrared Thermal Imaging?

Infrared Thermography or Infrared Thermal Imaging are examples of infrared imaging technology advancements. Thermal imaging cameras detect radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce images of that radiation, called thermograms. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. When viewed through a thermal imaging camera, thermal anolomies such as moisture behind walls or under a roofing membrane, missing insulation or air infiltration, electrical anomalies and mechanical deficiencies in machinery are displayed on the thermal imaging camera screen. As a result, thermography is particularly useful in detecting building deficiencies and locating thermal anomalies during electrical and mechanical inspections.
Thermal images, or thermagrams are actually visual displays of the amount of infrared energy emitted, transmitted, and reflected by an object. Because there are multiple sources of the infrared energy, it is difficult to get an accurate temperature of an object using this method. This is where propery training, certification and experience come into the picture. Certified Level II and Level III thermographers are trained to gather information from the surroundings to enter into the thermal imaging camera which in turn performs algorithms to interpret that data and build an image. Although the image shows the viewer an approximation of the temperature at which the object is operating, the camera is actually using multiple sources of data based on the areas surrounding the object to determine that value rather than detecting the actual temperature.